In just two days at Flushing Meadows, a string of high women’s seeds have fallen. On Tuesday, another one joined the list. And as seeds fall, opportunities open for others.

Halep moves into the second round

Second-seeded Simona Halep faced Marina Erakovic on Arthur Ashe Stadium, and after a solid first set by the Romanian, the New Zealander was forced to retire down 6-2, 3-0.

Halep played a clean, steady match with just eight unforced errors before an injured knee forced Erakovic out. Afterwards, she put her approach to this year’s tournament in perspective. “I had a good start. I was aggressive and played my best tennis today,” Halep said. “I know I can play my best tennis here. I have no expectations. Serena is there. I just want to play my best tennis.”

Halep has not advanced past the fourth round at Flushing Meadows and will attempt to take a step in that direction against Kateryna Bondarenko of Ukraine in the second round.

Kvitova rolls

It was a business-like effort from fifth-seeded Petra Kvitova in the nightcap at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday. She handled Laura Siegemund without incident, 6-1, 6-1.

The two-time Wimbledon champion controlled play as she struck deep, strong groundstrokes that forced a number of the German’s shots into the net as she attempted to maintain her position on the baseline. Kvitova’s left-handed forehand moved the 27-year-old around the court and kept her on the defensive.

It took just under an hour for the Czech to advance as she escaped any chance of becoming another seed to fall in the women’s draw.

Safarova ousted by Tsurenko

The upsets in the women’s draw continued early on Tuesday as sixth-seeded Lucie Safarova fell to Lesia Tsurenko, 6-3, 6-1.

The fact that the French Open finalist lost was not completely surprising, but the manner in which she lost was. The Ukrainian eliminated Safarova in just 65 minutes in dominating fashion. Controlling the play, Tsurenko forced the frustrated Czech into 33 unforced errors on the day and took advantage of her 10 break opportunities by winning five of those.

This result occurred just one week after Safarova advanced rather comfortably against Tsurenko in New Haven. When asked what changed the outcome this time, the 26-year-old underdog responded, “I talked with my coach about what to change. I changed the serve a little bit, made it a more active movement,” she said.” I returned pretty badly (before) because she was a lefty. This time I was playing at the back more.”